Victorian Hull Exhibition Unveils Forgotten Streets and Historic Charm
The Victorian Hull exhibition captures the city’s lost 19th-century streets through the detailed sketches of artist Frederick Schultz Smith, offering a rare glimpse into historic architecture and a cityscape that has mostly vanished.
How the Victorian Hull Exhibition Preserves the City’s Past
Frederick Schultz Smith was active from the 1880s, sketching Hull’s streets, buildings, and daily life during a time of rapid change. His drawings show narrow cobbled roads, horse-drawn carts, and early industrial buildings. They preserve scenes that might have otherwise been forgotten. Among his notable pieces is a detailed rendering of Anlaby Road and Sculcoates Bridge, drawn around 1885.
Hidden Gems from the Hull History Centre Archives
The Hull History Centre archives preserve many of Smith’s original works. For this commemorative event, the centre is unveiling select pieces to the public. Visitors can explore Hull’s lost architecture through the eyes of a man who captured it with meticulous detail.
Cultural Significance of FS Smith’s Drawings
City officials have praised the Victorian Hull exhibition for enriching public understanding of local heritage. Rob Pritchard, councillor and portfolio holder for culture and leisure, noted that the artworks “increase our understanding of the development of the city” and showcase a version of Hull that stood on the brink of significant transformation brought about by Edwardian reforms and later the devastation of World War II.
Exhibition Details and Visiting Hours
The exhibition is open to the public on Tuesdays, Wednesdays, and Thursdays until 28 August. The centre invites art lovers, history enthusiasts, and local residents to visit and reflect on how Hull’s cityscape has evolved over time.
